By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Janyssa Ramos put pen to paper Friday and officially reached a goal she has been working toward since she was 10 years old.
Ramos, a senior pitcher for the Harlingen South Lady Hawks, signed to continue her education and softball career at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The southpaw will be competing in the Lone Star Conference at the NCAA Division II level.
“It feels great,” Ramos said. “Being able to continue playing is something I really love. I’m glad I have such a great support system around me — my family, my mom and dad, my friends and teammates, and everyone who has always been there for me.
“I felt very comfortable (at TAMUK),” she added. “Everyone was very inviting, the coaches made me feel welcome, and I loved the campus. Not too far from home, but far enough. I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like.”
Ramos hasn’t declared a major, but she’s interested in biomedical sciences or something in the medical field. She epitomizes being a student-athlete by balancing athletics with the rigorous academics that come with attending the Harlingen School of Health Professions, where she’s studying to be a certified medical assistant. She believes that experience will help her in college.
First-year South softball coach Joey Rios said in the short time he’s spent with Ramos so far, it’s clear that her personality positively impacts her teammates. He and Ramos called this milestone “just the beginning” of what they’re hoping will be a big season for the senior and her Lady Hawks teammates.
Ramos said her South career has taught her that “there’s going to be hard times, but everyone’s going to come together and it’s going to be a good thing.” She’s looking forward to being around competitive athletes and working hard to show what she can do, just like she always has.
“I remember at first I wanted to pitch, but at that time I didn’t know how. The ball was going over the fences,” Ramos said. “Now I’m going to college for it. It took a lot of work. My parents always told me, ‘Work hard because it pays off, and in the process stay humble.’”